image via Monpetitviolon Etsy Shop
So, you're going to have a baby. You probably have all sorts of lists going on, physical, mental, verbal, or if you're anything like me, a combination of all of them. Babies, despite their size, require a lot of gear. It can be a little overwhelming to say the least. But I don't need to tell you that.
Here's a list of things I found mandatory, helpful, and just plain nice to have, to help you out a little.
1. Car seat - They will not allow you to leave the hospital without one, and trust me, you'll want to leave the hospital. Sure, they brought you meals and bottomless drinks, but they also checked your vitals every three seconds, and those of your baby, and never at the same time (of course). The mattress is less than comfortable, and, well, it's a hospital. The general idea is to get out of there as quickly as possible. So, where we were? Yes, the car seat. You're going to need a new one that's never been used. I know they can be pricey, but look at it this way. What else are you purchasing that's as important as a car seat? Hmm? Nothing. You won't regret the peace of mind. Also, please make sure you know how to work it. How to get the thing in and out, how to pop it into the stroller (if you go with a car seat / stroller combo), and how to get it out. You don't want to be calling your husband in the driveway because he set it up and you sort of just assumed you'd be able to figure it out. And then can't.
Ahem.
Read the directions (both of you!) and follow it to the T.
Also, please take the time to get it checked via a car seat specialist. We did not, because we thought we were all learned and smart and could figure it out. Then when we were visiting Abby for graduation her mom (who is a car seat specialist! hello!) was like, woah, dude, we need to fix this. Very humbling, but so very much appreciated. See SeatCheck to find your nearest location.
Ahem.
Read the directions (both of you!) and follow it to the T.
Also, please take the time to get it checked via a car seat specialist. We did not, because we thought we were all learned and smart and could figure it out. Then when we were visiting Abby for graduation her mom (who is a car seat specialist! hello!) was like, woah, dude, we need to fix this. Very humbling, but so very much appreciated. See SeatCheck to find your nearest location.
2. Onesies & nightgowns & socks - Yup, even for the boys. You'll want at least a week's worth of onesies, plus a few extra, and at least 4 - 5 nightgowns. You'll be amazed at how quickly that newborn poop shoots up the back. The nightgowns are totally fabulous, as they almost always have the cuffed arms (for keeping those razor-like newborn fingernails away from their face) and are great for quick middle-of-the-night diaper changes. Wyatt lived in them for the first oh, few weeks. All day long. Cause why not? The socks are for keeping their tiny feet warm in the nightgowns. Good luck trying to get them to stay on, though. I have yet to come across ones that do. (If you have, please enlighten us all!) And just for the record, when you do switch to sleepers (with feet) zippers are much quicker than buttons.
3. Hat - For the first little while we just used the little knit cap the hospital gave him, and it worked perfectly. For in the house use, you want one that isn't too thick because they can get a bit sweaty when bundled up. For outdoor, we used thicker store bought ones. Any will do. Just keep 'em warm!
4. Thin, swaddling blankets - You'll be getting a whole SLEW of blankets, trust me. You'll love every single one, even if you don't use them at first. We only used the thin ones because they were great for swaddling, but I plan to pull out the thicker ones as soon as we can give him one at night. My favorite ones were Dwell Studio for Target's receiving blankets, because they were the perfect size and perfect stickiness for that great swaddle. (You want a great swaddle...) I loved them so much that I accidentally bought two, when I'd already been given a set, and um, I didn't end up using one. So.....Check back soon for a giveaway!
5. Cloth Diapers - I know, you thought they were a thing of the past, but they are not. And they are the BEST burp cloths / boob milk spray catchers / comforters. I still have one in my diaper bag for the latter option, and I used it heavily for the second, not as much for the first (for some reason breastfed babies spit up less). Available at (where else!) Target! And probably anywhere else. But, you know my love of Target.
6. First Aid Kit - There are a million out there, some bigger than you might need. The items I used and still use frequently, are the thermometer (even if you have a fancy one, the old fashioned ones are best for infant armpit use), nose sucker, and nail clippers. We ended up being really glad ours came with a little medicine dropper / spoon thing, when we needed to give him some Pedialyte when he was sick, however, for regular medicine (i.e. Tylenol) you'll need to use their dropper.
7. Infant Tylenol - (not childrens!) You don't want to need it, or think about needing it, but at one point you will need it, and you'll be glad you had it ready. Trust me. He started teething at 3 months and I was INFINITELY glad we had some on hand. Also, they sometimes get fevers from vaccines, and you'll need it then too. Wy only had a slight one once, however. It all depends. Also, might I add, go for the dye free versions, if you can. Trust me.
8. Mylicon - Or similar. Another one that you WILL need. Babies get gassy, there's no getting around it, and you'll use this one often, at least in the beginning. We rarely use it now, but we used it A LOT during those first few weeks. It's safe enough to use after every feeding if you need it, and it really helps their little tummies out. Again, dye free is your friend. A lot of his newborn clothes are pink stained around the collars. (Quick tutorial, slide it in the side of their cheek towards the back of their gums, instead of in front.)
9. Bath items - Soap, lotion, washcloths, towel. Maybe even a small infant tub (we liked this one, since it folds up), though for the first little bit, we just held him in the sink. We used the tub from about a 1 mth - 6 mths, every single night as part of our bedtime routine. So I think we got our money's worth.
10. Bedtime - Somewhere to sleep! Novel! Be it in the crib from the start, or a bassinet / cradle until they're older, you're going to need a few things besides your mattress and sheets (you knew those already, because you're smart). Mattress protectors or just extra changing pads are really nice to have, which is what I use (I enjoy the term "piddle pads"). Extra crib sheets are GREAT to have, but not necessary. A bumper is totally optional, slightly controversial (people worry about smothering, but I sort of wasn't) and you'll have to put it away as soon as they start pulling themselves up (Wy just did this, and I'm kinda sad that it's time...I like his bumper).
11. Diaper Changing - My advice is to buy a pack or two of the size 1 diapers, and don't worry about getting any smaller until you've had the baby. Unless you have a little guy or gal, you'll use the 1's. If you do end up needing smaller (we did) you can always grab some (or have your hubby make a run), but you'll eventually use the 1's no matter what. Cause. They get bigger and stuff. Besides a bunch of diapers, you'll need wipes (duh), diaper creme, and powder. Some websites tell you to have alcohol pads and vaseline for the umbilical cords (and circumcision healing, if you choose), but the hospital sent us home with enough to care for a small army of babies. I'm not joking, I have a huge ziplock full of tiny packs of alcohol pads and vaseline packs. If you start to run out, let me know and I'll send you some. Or a million.
12. Food / Mouth related items - This will all depend on your feeding method. If you're strictly breastfeeding, I still recommend getting a bottle or two and a pump to have on hand. I didn't end up using them until he was 4 months old, but I was very glad I had them. I bought a small Medela electric pump, and plan to use it with all my babies. You'll need slow flow nipples, and freezer bags if you plan to store any breastmilk. You'll also want nursing pads and nursing bra's for yourself, (please see my nursing post for the items I like). If you're formula feeding, or supplementing, you'll need more than a couple bottles, obviously, along with a few containers of formula. Dr. Brown's bottles tend to be very highly rated, helping to cut down on the air flow thereby reducing gas / colic. Wyatt seemed to like these best, but of course, it all depends on the baby. Maybe get a few brands and find which one works. Binki's. If you're going to use them, get a couple. One for the bed, one for the car seat, one for the pack n' play...they get lost, and you don't want to loose them. Trust me. We used the Soothies at first, and then switched to a "regular" one later. The Soothies are the most nipple-like, and if you're breastfeeding that might help.
13. Food - For YOU. I could spend an entire post on this, but I shall try to reign it in. You NEED TO EAT WELL, AND GET PLENTY OF FLUIDS. I cannot stress this enough. Honestly. People. This is serious. I know the tendency is strong to want to "loose the baby weight" but this is NO TIME FOR THAT. Trust me. I dealt with an eating disorder for over 7 years, and still currently work to keep it at bay, I know how hard it can be, and how the mind works. You would never deprive your child, please don't deprive yourself. Even if you aren't breastfeeding, you are still caring for a newborn and the last last LAST thing you need is low energy. You need sleep, you need food, you need fluids. It took you 9 months to gain the weight, and it's going to take a bit to get it off. Give yourself a break and just enjoy the baby, and it will come, I promise. And if you need further help, please contact me. Seriously. Can I express how important this is any further? Millions of exclamation marks? All caps? I WILL. I WILL DO IT.
14. Random items - Not necessary, but nice. Some sort of baby sleep book, whatever method you prefer, will really help you figure things out. I have Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and have really enjoyed the insight. A nursing cover is helpful. If you're in cold weather, the J.J. Cole Bundle Me was a LIFESAVER.
It seems like a lot, and I guess it is, but you'll get it, I promise. Pretty soon you'll be giving me advice. That's the great part of motherhood, learning from each other! As always, this is just MY list, and I'd love to hear comments or suggestions on things you liked or didn't like.
3. Hat - For the first little while we just used the little knit cap the hospital gave him, and it worked perfectly. For in the house use, you want one that isn't too thick because they can get a bit sweaty when bundled up. For outdoor, we used thicker store bought ones. Any will do. Just keep 'em warm!
4. Thin, swaddling blankets - You'll be getting a whole SLEW of blankets, trust me. You'll love every single one, even if you don't use them at first. We only used the thin ones because they were great for swaddling, but I plan to pull out the thicker ones as soon as we can give him one at night. My favorite ones were Dwell Studio for Target's receiving blankets, because they were the perfect size and perfect stickiness for that great swaddle. (You want a great swaddle...) I loved them so much that I accidentally bought two, when I'd already been given a set, and um, I didn't end up using one. So.....Check back soon for a giveaway!
5. Cloth Diapers - I know, you thought they were a thing of the past, but they are not. And they are the BEST burp cloths / boob milk spray catchers / comforters. I still have one in my diaper bag for the latter option, and I used it heavily for the second, not as much for the first (for some reason breastfed babies spit up less). Available at (where else!) Target! And probably anywhere else. But, you know my love of Target.
6. First Aid Kit - There are a million out there, some bigger than you might need. The items I used and still use frequently, are the thermometer (even if you have a fancy one, the old fashioned ones are best for infant armpit use), nose sucker, and nail clippers. We ended up being really glad ours came with a little medicine dropper / spoon thing, when we needed to give him some Pedialyte when he was sick, however, for regular medicine (i.e. Tylenol) you'll need to use their dropper.
7. Infant Tylenol - (not childrens!) You don't want to need it, or think about needing it, but at one point you will need it, and you'll be glad you had it ready. Trust me. He started teething at 3 months and I was INFINITELY glad we had some on hand. Also, they sometimes get fevers from vaccines, and you'll need it then too. Wy only had a slight one once, however. It all depends. Also, might I add, go for the dye free versions, if you can. Trust me.
8. Mylicon - Or similar. Another one that you WILL need. Babies get gassy, there's no getting around it, and you'll use this one often, at least in the beginning. We rarely use it now, but we used it A LOT during those first few weeks. It's safe enough to use after every feeding if you need it, and it really helps their little tummies out. Again, dye free is your friend. A lot of his newborn clothes are pink stained around the collars. (Quick tutorial, slide it in the side of their cheek towards the back of their gums, instead of in front.)
9. Bath items - Soap, lotion, washcloths, towel. Maybe even a small infant tub (we liked this one, since it folds up), though for the first little bit, we just held him in the sink. We used the tub from about a 1 mth - 6 mths, every single night as part of our bedtime routine. So I think we got our money's worth.
10. Bedtime - Somewhere to sleep! Novel! Be it in the crib from the start, or a bassinet / cradle until they're older, you're going to need a few things besides your mattress and sheets (you knew those already, because you're smart). Mattress protectors or just extra changing pads are really nice to have, which is what I use (I enjoy the term "piddle pads"). Extra crib sheets are GREAT to have, but not necessary. A bumper is totally optional, slightly controversial (people worry about smothering, but I sort of wasn't) and you'll have to put it away as soon as they start pulling themselves up (Wy just did this, and I'm kinda sad that it's time...I like his bumper).
11. Diaper Changing - My advice is to buy a pack or two of the size 1 diapers, and don't worry about getting any smaller until you've had the baby. Unless you have a little guy or gal, you'll use the 1's. If you do end up needing smaller (we did) you can always grab some (or have your hubby make a run), but you'll eventually use the 1's no matter what. Cause. They get bigger and stuff. Besides a bunch of diapers, you'll need wipes (duh), diaper creme, and powder. Some websites tell you to have alcohol pads and vaseline for the umbilical cords (and circumcision healing, if you choose), but the hospital sent us home with enough to care for a small army of babies. I'm not joking, I have a huge ziplock full of tiny packs of alcohol pads and vaseline packs. If you start to run out, let me know and I'll send you some. Or a million.
12. Food / Mouth related items - This will all depend on your feeding method. If you're strictly breastfeeding, I still recommend getting a bottle or two and a pump to have on hand. I didn't end up using them until he was 4 months old, but I was very glad I had them. I bought a small Medela electric pump, and plan to use it with all my babies. You'll need slow flow nipples, and freezer bags if you plan to store any breastmilk. You'll also want nursing pads and nursing bra's for yourself, (please see my nursing post for the items I like). If you're formula feeding, or supplementing, you'll need more than a couple bottles, obviously, along with a few containers of formula. Dr. Brown's bottles tend to be very highly rated, helping to cut down on the air flow thereby reducing gas / colic. Wyatt seemed to like these best, but of course, it all depends on the baby. Maybe get a few brands and find which one works. Binki's. If you're going to use them, get a couple. One for the bed, one for the car seat, one for the pack n' play...they get lost, and you don't want to loose them. Trust me. We used the Soothies at first, and then switched to a "regular" one later. The Soothies are the most nipple-like, and if you're breastfeeding that might help.
13. Food - For YOU. I could spend an entire post on this, but I shall try to reign it in. You NEED TO EAT WELL, AND GET PLENTY OF FLUIDS. I cannot stress this enough. Honestly. People. This is serious. I know the tendency is strong to want to "loose the baby weight" but this is NO TIME FOR THAT. Trust me. I dealt with an eating disorder for over 7 years, and still currently work to keep it at bay, I know how hard it can be, and how the mind works. You would never deprive your child, please don't deprive yourself. Even if you aren't breastfeeding, you are still caring for a newborn and the last last LAST thing you need is low energy. You need sleep, you need food, you need fluids. It took you 9 months to gain the weight, and it's going to take a bit to get it off. Give yourself a break and just enjoy the baby, and it will come, I promise. And if you need further help, please contact me. Seriously. Can I express how important this is any further? Millions of exclamation marks? All caps? I WILL. I WILL DO IT.
14. Random items - Not necessary, but nice. Some sort of baby sleep book, whatever method you prefer, will really help you figure things out. I have Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and have really enjoyed the insight. A nursing cover is helpful. If you're in cold weather, the J.J. Cole Bundle Me was a LIFESAVER.
It seems like a lot, and I guess it is, but you'll get it, I promise. Pretty soon you'll be giving me advice. That's the great part of motherhood, learning from each other! As always, this is just MY list, and I'd love to hear comments or suggestions on things you liked or didn't like.
Pioneers did it with a lot less, so don't sweat it. You don't NEED all of these items. But having them makes life easier. You find that you will need even less the second time around.
Posted by: Britanny | July 14, 2009 at 11:38 AM
My brain just popped.
Nevertheless, I love these posts. Keep 'em coming!
Posted by: Abby | July 14, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you. These things have been keeping my brain running late into the night!
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I'm pretty sure that I'm glad you posted this. I may or may not still be in a slight denial about being pregnant. At least that I'm going to have a baby in my arms by December. I don't really like to think about it quite yet. It stresses me out. Oh the things that I need to buy....
Posted by: Stacy | July 14, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Bless you, oh wise maternal one. I have been trying to figure out how to sort through the wants and must-haves, and this post is going to make my life so much easier. If you lived here, I would buy you ice cream.
Posted by: Jessica | July 14, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Awesome, i loved them too, thank you for the share.
Posted by: Nursing Tank | November 13, 2009 at 03:31 AM